What does Bracknell think: Time to ban smoking in public?

Our opinion piece features a panel of local people who debate current topics. To join the panel or suggest a topic, email bracknelleditorial@trinitymirror.com

This week we asked our panel of readers what they think about the calls to ban smoking in public places such as parks and popular landmarks.

It’s been seven years since the ban on smoking in indoor public places was introduced. Do they think this has been a good thing and do they support a further ban on smoking in some outdoor spaces?

Hazel Kent, of The Sanctuary Barn Community Market and Cafe Project: “Speaking as an ex-smoker, I am on the fence.

“Even when I smoked, there is nothing worse than sitting in a nice place and having someone’s cigarette smoke waft into your face even when outside. However, having been a smoker, I would like to think I had the courtesy to not do this around others. Common sense has to prevail but there is little of that around these days! The best thing that came in was the indoor smoking ban. Smoking is a social thing and I now puff away on an e-cigarette with zero nicotine just for the social aspect of it all!”

Henry Ellis, of Bracknell Aikido Club: “As a non-smoker, I do agree with much of the smoking ban but I do not agree with banning smoking in public parks and other wide open areas. It is just taking a step too far. One thing that gets to me I am in the town and sit on a bench, is it is only moments before a smoker plonks themselves next to me and allows me a generous 70 per cent of their cigarette smoke.”

Pat Kennewell, of Birch Hill and Hanworth Liaison Group: “I have been surprised at how easily the smoking ban in enclosed public places has been accepted but am wary of imposing a ban on outside smoking.

“As an ex-smoker I know the benefits and would never smoke again but, we have to allow people to make choices. Banning smoking for under 18s and imposing fines on the litter from smokers might help to reduce numbers of smokers.”